Spring Break Off the Beach

Not everyone is a beach lover, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have other spring break choices.  A trip to Europe is a good idea at this time of year as popular attractions will be much less crowded than they are in the summer, and the weather will be less oppressive.  This kind of vacation is great for families but would also be attractive to seniors and others who prefer to visit Europe in the off-season.

No hassle European travel options include:

• Mediterranean cruising, hitting the high points of Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, and Greece and Turkey.
  
  Begin in Barcelona with its architectural wonders, both ancient and modern.  Enjoy the botanical gardens and make sure to sample the tapas delicacies in local bistros.  Visit the island of Palma de Mallorca on the way to the aristocratic playground of Cannes where you’ll want to sample seafood along the boardwalk.  On to Pisa and La Spezia, Italy where you can hike along olive groves and vineyards in the footsteps of the 15th century fishermen who made their living there.  You’ll visit Marseille, the oldest city in France before returning to Barcelona.
  
  Or explore the ancient cities of Greece and Turkey on a cruise that begins in Athens where you’ll visit the amazing Acropolis Museum.  You’ll visit Volos, Greece, the newest port city in the country where you’ll find several archaeological sites as well as tsipouro, a favorite local spirit served with tasty seafood snacks.  In Istanbul you’ll visit the Blue Mosque and the opulent gardens at Topkapi Palace.  The ancient city of Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, loaded with archaeological treasures.  You’ll visit the islands of Santorini (you’ll want to try the wine here), Rhodes (steeped in legendary Greek history) and Mykonos before your return to Athens.
  
  
• Escorted luxury motorcoach/rail tours that operate all over Europe.
  
  Visit Prague, Budapest, and Austria for a glimpse into the history of these vibrant, fascinating cities.  City tours with knowledgeable guides, river cruises, ethnic entertainment and dining are all guaranteed to make this a spring break like no other.
  
  Take a tour of France including a tour of Parisian highlights, a visit to Mont-St. Michel and the Normandy beaches, a wine tour and visits to the opulent chateaux in the Loire Valley.
  
  Cover a lot of ground and begin with tours in London, a channel crossing to France to experience iconic Parisian attractions like the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.  On to Lucerne, Switzerland, traveling through awe-inspiring mountain passes.  In Italy you’ll visit Venice, Florence and Rome where you’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and Vatican City.
  
  Explore ancient Egypt beginning and ending in the fascinating city of Cairo.  Tours here include the hanging church of St. Mary and the Egyptian Museum where you’ll view the fabulous treasures of King Tut.  This tour includes a four day Nile cruise to Luxor where you’ll explore the Valley of the Kings and the temples at Kom Ombo.  You’ll visit the Aswan Dam and the Temple of Isis before your return to Cairo for day trips to the Great Pyramids of Giza including the Colossus of Ramses II and the Sphinx.